Khulekani On Wheels
    • Car Reviews
    • Car News
    • Electric
    • Videos
    • Travel
    • About
    • Contact

    Driven: Mazda CX-5

    By khulekani / on Nov 9th, 2017 / in Car Reviews, featured

    Driven: Mazda CX-5

    By khulekani / on Nov 9th, 2017 / in Car Reviews, featured

    By Amanda Mfuphi (@mfuphi)

    Whether you refer to them as compact crossover vehicles or SUVs, the vehicles in these segments appear to have won the hearts of many South Africans in the recent past. One can immediately understand why these vehicles would be a favourite to a buyer, for one I can think of the ground clearance they provide and the spacious cabin they have. Despite these benefits proffered by these cars, we all still want a car that looks and feels luxurious so we can justify those debit orders that visit our lives on a monthly basis.

    So what do you do if you are a young man (single I might add and looking for that special lady) in the SUV market who is looking for a car which feels luxurious? You can go for the BMW X3 or the Mercedes Benz GLC – those scream luxury vehicles to me. However, should your budget dictate otherwise, the Mazda CX-5 may is not a bad option.

    Recently we had the new Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic Auto on test. I must say, at first glance I was blown away by the menacing front grille and the LED headlights. Our test car came in a dark navy colour and this colour just completed the appealing exterior features of the vehicle. From approach the vehicle gave a panther-like look which seemed to be calling me to take it and pounce on the open road. The Mazda CX-5’s exterior looks are testament to the car’s popularity.

    On the interior front, our test Mazda CX-5 we had a comfortable and luxurious feel similar to that you find in a BMW interior (yes, I said it). The vehicle came with leather seats and a leather surface for the dashboard, and not the normal hard plastics we see in some of the vehicles in its segment. The vehicle has a seven-inch infotainment screen which is controlled through a rotary control setup or knob that is similar to the ones you would find in premium offerings in the segment. From a connectivity perspective, the Mazda CX-5 has all of the standard tech features you find in most of the cars in the segment such as, Bluetooth connectivity, Hands-free system for your phone and (not one but) two USB ports. Although I do not have to necessarily say it but the vehicle has ample cabin and boot space. A family of five or five adventure seeking adults would fit comfortably in there. There will also be minimal fights about luggage as the boot is quite generous.

    I drove the car to and from work, and to shops and the car seemed on the thirsty side for city driving averaging 9.5L/100km. Interestingly, the fuel consumption seemed like a dream on the open road. For instance, we drove down to KwaZulu-Natal in the Oribi area and it comfortably did the 8 hour drive from Johannesburg with less than one full tank. On the drive down to KwaZulu-Natal the vehicle averaged 8.5L/100km and on the up drive it did 8.1L/100km.

    Our test Mazda CX-5 came standard with 19inch wheels and it handled itself perfectly. The cabin was fairly quiet when we took the vehicle on the dirt road in the Oribi area which is known for its magnificent views of the gorge. I did not have any problems with getting power from our test Mazda CX-5’s 2.0 naturally aspirated engine and the vehicle actually maintained its power even on inclines.

    The one dislike I had about the vehicle is its transitioning between gears. The vehicle felt as though the engine was under pressure most times when it was changing gears. It was loud and I could imagine a driver getting uncomfortable. The 6 speed automatic engine’s gear selection could be smoother.

    The facts of the Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic Auto are below:

    Price: R416,900
    Power: 121 kW @ 6 000 r/min
    Torque: 210 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
    Fuel Consumption: 6.8 L/100 km (claimed)
    Maintenance Plan: 3-year/unlimited kilometre service plan and warranty

    Categories: Car Reviews, featured  /  Tags: Mazda Mazda CX-5
  • Comment

  • Leave a comment Cancel

    Leave a comment
  • Comment

  • Next articleVIDEO: Nissan X-Trail

    https://youtu.be/Wjzhn5EHr0c...

  • Previous articleDriven: Mini Cooper Countryman

    Phume Mkhungo So let me tell you a little bit about myself… I am tall, and by tall I m...

  • More & Related Articles

    Audi SA announces updates to Audi TT and TTS Coupé

    By Staff Reporter Audi has announced updates to its TT range. The front features a three-dimensional single frame radiator grille and large side air inlets emphasize the vehicle’s...

    New Ford Ranger gets customer-focused connectivity and technology

    By Otsile Kadiege As we are edging closer to the launch of the all-new Ford Ranger, Ford South Africa revealed more details on customer-focused technologies we should expect...

    Volvo XC40 T3 R-Design driven

    By Amanda Mfuphi It is quite trite by now that South African car consumers have taken a liking to the rise of SUV offerings in the South African...

    Launched: Bold Isuzu Arctic AT 35

        By Amanda Mfuphi We recently joined Isuzu Motors South Africa in the Eastern Cape for the launch of the Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT35 bakkie. The launch...

    BMW M unveils much anticipated new age 3.0 CSL

    By Otsile Kadiege As the anniversary year comes to a close, BMW M GmbH is presenting the most exclusive special model the company has ever produced – the...

    Extensively updated Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder breaks cover

    By Otsile Kadiege Toyota recently lifted the veils off the updated and popular Urban Cruiser, which is now dubbed Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It boasts extensive exterior and interior...

    Audi unleashes more powerful RS6 Performance and RS7 Performance models

    By Malusi Audi has decided to spruce up the RS7 and RS6 Avant with a power/torque bump and optional lightweight wheels. Audi has leveled up the power on...

    7th generation Mercedes-AMG SL breaks cover

    By Otsile Kadiege The veils have officially been lifted off the all-new seventh generation Mercedes-AMG SL (Sport Leicht). The 70 year old nameplate gets new looks, a plethora...

    COVID-19

    STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND VISIT THE OFFICIAL COVID-19 WEBSITE: WWW.SACORONAVIRUS.CO.ZA


    © 2023 Khulekani On Wheels - Managed by Tech Matters